Scientific Breakthrough

What we have is a scientific breakthrough! It is the only natural supplement to be able to activate the NRF2 Protein!

This activation has been clinically proven to reduce oxidative stress in all humans by 40% in 30 days and can increase Glutathione by 300% in 120 days.

The Nrf2 activator also received the status of a ‘life extender’ as it extended the life of male mice by 7%!!! Change it to human years and that is a considerable amount of potential added time!!

What does oxidative stress do?

Too many damaging free radicals — or too few protective antioxidants — can wreak havoc on cell membranes, mitochondria, and DNA, leading to tissue damage and a wide range of chronic diseases, including cancer, chronic fatigue, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. For more than 50 years, scientists have known the aging process to be linked to highly reactive oxygen molecules produced during normal metabolism. These oxygen molecules, often called “free radicals” or “reactive oxygen species” (ROS), can react with and cause damage to cellular structures throughout the body. Particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage are cell membranes, DNA (genetic material), and mitochondria (where cells generate energy)—and damage to these vital areas often means that cells cannot function properly.

Cellular stress can cause you to age faster than you would normally. This is apparent in your skin, cellular stress can cause more wrinkles, causes irritation, inflammation, and redness in your skin, and can lead to skin cancer. In the body, cellular stress is linked to cardiovascular disease, alzheimers, cancer and other life threatening diseases.

What is NRF2?

At the very center of our cellular protective pathway is a protein called “Nrf2” that serves as a “master regulator” of the body’s antioxidant response. You might think of Nrf2 as a “thermostat” within our cells that senses the level of oxidative stress and other stressors and turns on internal protective mechanisms.

Soon after Nrf2 was identified, a flurry of scientific discoveries began to show how Nrf2 also regulated genes involved in the production of a wide range of antioxidant enzymes (including SOD, glutathione, and catalase), and detoxification or ‘‘stress-response’’ genes. These protective pathways are involved in seemingly unrelated areas of health from immune function to tissue optimization to cognitive function – but they all share in common the Nrf2 “switch” that enables cells to protect themselves from both internal and external environmental challenges. In effect, Nrf2 activation enables our cells to make their own “medicines” to help us survive – and thrive – in stressful situations.

What does NRF2 do?

When activated, Nrf2 turns on the production of specific antioxidants the body needs to fight cellular stress effectively. Certain phytochemicals (turmeric, ashwagandha, bacopa, green tea, and milk thistle) synergistically activate Nrf2. Turning on Nrf2 creates a cascading effect that results in the production of several very powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants do a much better job at combating cellular stress than dietary, vitamin or phytochemical source individually. Several antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione, and catalase are activated through the Nrf2 pathway. Many scientists believe that Nrf2 activation is the “future” of cellular protection and health promotion, this foundation of naturally activating Nrf2 to “solve” the problem of cellular stress is a fundamentally different way of restoring balance in the body.

More than one thousand scientific publications describe the relationship between Nrf2 activation and various types of cancer. These studies span the entire range of scientific study design, from clinical supplementation trials in humans, to mechanistic studies in specific cell cultures, to gene activation studies, and even specialized studies of Nrf2 metabolism in different models of chronic diseases. Nrf2 is perhaps the most important cell defense and survival pathway – protecting cells and tissues from a variety of toxicants and carcinogens. Because Nrf2 activation increases dozens of cellular protective functions, several pharmaceutical activators of Nrf2 are under study in clinical trials. For instance, researchers from the National Cancer Institute stated that in their review of several studies, the "finding... implicate Nrf2 as a promising molecular target for cancer prevention" (Cancer Prevention Research, 2008). Other researchers from China found that "an increasing body of evidence supports the premise that the Nrf2/ARE pathway plays a critical role in the protective mechanism of cells" (Food Science and Human Wellness, 2013). And recently, results from a Rutgers University-based study found that the ". . . defense enzymes mediated by Nrf2-antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways can contribute to cellular protection against . . . carcinogens" (Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2013). While more research is still needed, these studies and others comprise a growing body of evidence demonstrating that Nrf2 is indeed a potentially powerful weapon against cancer.

The Science Behind Nrf2's Cancer-Protective Benefits Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer

Researchers from the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience at Louisiana State University found that "Product 5x" could suppress both the development and spread of skin cancer. Elevated levels of protective antioxidant enzymes led to a 57% reduction in number of skin tumors in a mouse model skin of cancer (PLoS One. 2009;4(4):e5284). In a follow-up study using the same model, the same research group found that "Product 5x" significantly reduced the development of skin cancer following exposure to carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals (PLoS One. 2010 Jul 30;5(7):e11902) – suggesting that the multiple modes of action of "Product 5x"could potentially be used as a chemopreventive agent due to their ability to modulate underlying mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis (Enzyme Res. 2011;2011:409295).

Colon Cancer

Due to the multiple modes of action of "Product 5x," researchers from the Department of Medicine at the University of Colorado at Denver used an advanced assay method to screen DNA from blood vessels to investigate its effects on activation of Nrf2 and dozens of cellular protection genes (Mol Aspects Med. 2011 Aug;32(4-6):234-46). "Product 5x" significantly modulated 25 of 28 (89%) colon carcinoma-specific gene targets, leading the authors to conclude that "Nrf2 activators may well spawn a new class of drugs to target the so-called 'diseases of aging,' including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases."

Breast Cancer

"Product 5x" was shown to suppress the growth and spread of breast cancer by researchers at Louisiana State University (The FASEB Journal. 2012;26:1118.5). The study of isolated breast cancer cells compared the potential of both “Product 5x” and Tamoxifen (an existing drug used to treat breast cancer) to reduce the growth/spread of human breast cancer cells. Results showed that both "Product 5x" and Tamoxifen were effective in reducing breast cancer cell growth by many of the same biochemical signals.

Ovarian Cancer & Myeloma (Bone Marrow Cancer)

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine (Prasongsook, Biomedical Sciences Thesis, 2014) showed that "Product 5x" produced a range of significant anti-cancer effects against ovarian cancer and myeloma (bone marrow cancer). In a series of studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Product 5x" was shown to have anti-cancer effects in ovarian cancer cells and myeloma (bone marrow cancer) cells, while sparing normal healthy cells. "Product 5x" showed anti-tumor and anti-proliferative effects (reduced tumor formation and growth) across 8 different ovarian cancer cell lines, including both chemotherapy-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant cells (Cisplatin/cisplatinum and Taxol/paclitaxel). "Product 5x" showed selective cytotoxicity (cell-killing) effects in ovarian cancer cells and myeloma cells – while sparing normal (non-cancerous) cells.

Other Considerations

When it comes to people undergoing active treatment for cancer (i.e. chemo or radiation therapy), it is typical for oncologists (cancer doctors) to want NO supplements in the mix. This is because every type of cancer, every regimen of treatment, and every patient is a unique collection of variables. As such, it’s prudent to remove the potential variable of any supplements and the potential for cancer cells to be “protected” by those supplements from the oxidizing effects of their chemo/radiation therapy.

Another reason for discontinuing all dietary supplements during cancer therapy is that chemotherapy and radiotherapy doses have been determined in groups of people who were not taking supplements, making it prudent for the patient to be in a similar condition to the clinical trial groups. Yet an additional reason for stopping supplementation during cancer therapy is that some chemotherapy agents require processing by liver enzymes, the levels of which might be changed by Nrf2 induction in the liver, the body’s primary detoxification organ.

In many situations, the cancer doctors will want patients to stop any supplements during active therapy, but then allow the supplements to be added back into the mix after the therapy is completed to support the Nrf2 induction benefits for immune system function, normal cellular defenses, etc. (but that is always a discussion for the patient and doctor to have and a decision for them to make together).

Nrf2 and the Nervous System

The proven science behind Nrf2's protection of the brain and nervous system

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in the efficiency of cellular function and the increased risk for disease and death – not a happy future! At the very heart of the aging process is the balance between cellular stressors and our ability to maintain biochemical balance and avoid cellular damage in the face of those stressors. The “free radical theory of aging” suggests that reactive oxygen molecules (free radicals) produced during cellular energy metabolism have damaging effects on all cells and across all tissue in the body – causing cumulative damage over time that ultimately results in aging, dysfunction, and death.

Each of our cells has a built-in system of defense to protect from damage by cellular stressors – called the Nrf2 pathway. In the aging (healthy) brain, as well as in the cases of several neurodegenerative diseases, there is a dramatic decline in the body’s ability to mount a robust defense against cellular stressors, which increases the vulnerability of the brain and the entire nervous system to damage. For example, oxidative damage to the DNA and cell membranes has been detected at levels more than 10 times higher in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients and 17 times higher in the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients compared to healthy subjects.

Brain neurons and nerve cells are comprised of lipids (fats) that are highly susceptible to attack by free radicals. High levels of damaged fatty acids (damaged proteins) have been identified in aging brains and associated with cognitive deficits. In the brain, such damage to fatty acids and proteins is known to set off an immune/inflammatory response that often leads to further cellular damage when prolonged. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines leads to a vicious cycle of further cellular damage that propagates through a chain reaction across tissues.

The Science Behind Nrf2’s Brain & Nervous System Benefits

Natural plant-derived bioactive compounds (phytonutrients) have been shown to exert both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in brain tissue. For example, Nrf2-activating phytonutrients such as EGCG from green tea, curcumin from turmeric, and quercetin from onions are known to reduce amyloid plaque accumulation (Alzheimer’s) and increase regeneration of dopamine fibers (Parkinson’s), suggesting a general neuro-protective benefit. Indeed, population studies have shown a dramatic protective effect of diets high in fruits/vegetables and healthy oils (Mediterranean and Okinawan diets) on risk for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Although the range of brain and nervous system diseases is varied with distinct pathologic features, there is considerable scientific evidence to support oxidative stress as a common pathogenic mechanism in many neurological conditions. Oxidative damage occurs early in virtually all nervous system disorders, including chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), as well as acute brain injury such as stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI, including concussions), suggesting that oxidative stress plays a prominent role in disease progression. Nrf2 activation is disrupted in many nervous system disorders and brain levels of protective antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, etc) are typically reduced in neurodegenerative disorders as well as during normal aging. For example, neurons with low Nrf2 activity are more susceptible to oxidative stress, but cellular damage can be reduced through Nrf2 activation. In both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh (J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2007 January; 66(1): 75-85) have described an insufficient and disrupted activation of the Nrf2 pathway in neurons located in the areas of the brain affected by the disease process.

One important study has shown that a specific blend of phytonutrients (“Product 5x”) can significantly increase levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase in human subjects (Free Radic Biol Med. 2006 Jan 15;40(2):341-7). Conducted at the Webb-Waring Institute for Cancer, Aging and Antioxidant Research at the University of Colorado in Denver, the study showed that natural activation of the Nrf2 pathway increased superoxide dismutase by 30% and catalase by 54%, while reducing cellular damage by an average of 40% within 30 days. Importantly, the typical age-related increase in cell damage completely disappeared after supplementation with “Product 5x” – so much so that a 78-year old subject had similar (low) levels of cellular damage to that of a 20-year old subject (indicating a dramatic cellular anti-aging effect).

Other studies in isolated mouse and human cells (Free Radic Biol Med. 2009 Feb 1;46(3):430-40) have shown that the ingredients in “Product 5x” work synergistically to provide superior antioxidant benefits compared to the sum of the effects from its individual ingredients. Together, the patented blend of “Product 5x” ingredients was found to have a 2–4 fold synergistic effect on increasing glutathione, a powerful antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals.

Nrf2 and Skin Health

The proven science behind Nrf2's skin-protecting benefits

How can Nrf2 benefit you?

Minimizes inflammation, irritation and redness

Reduces wrinkles and improves skin tone

Safeguards against free radical/oxidative stress

Protects against UV radiation exposure

Maintains integrity of key skin structural components

Minimizes risk of skin cancers and other skin-related conditions

Our Skin Reflects Our True Health

You’ve heard the old saying, “Beauty is more than skin deep” – and it’s true – especially when you realize that our body has a built-in “beauty protection” network inside of every cell, including our skin cells. You’ll often hear that the skin has “two layers” (the dermis and epidermis), but the epidermis (uppermost layer) is actually comprised of five distinct layers and the dermis (deeper layer) has two different layers – so our skin actually has seven different layers that protect our delicate (internal) tissues from the damaging (external) environment.

Emerging science is discovering a new approach to caring for your skin, one that addresses what goes on inside you and at the deeper layers of skin (not just the surface) in order to bring forth the most glowing, clear, healthy skin on your outside. Achieving healthy, beautiful skin is truly an inside-out process. Looking better, feeling better, having more confidence, and causing your exterior to reflect your beautiful interior (and vice versa) is what the latest skin science is all about.

Nobody wants to look like they’re aging. Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year on lotions, creams, and coatings to be applied to the surface of the skin (the dead part, called the stratum corneum). Many of these concoctions do a wonderful job of smoothing out wrinkles and giving the appearance of younger, healthier skin. The illusion of healthier skin, however, rapidly fades when the beauty cream wears off.

Nrf2 Offers Multi-Faceted Skin Solution

What we perceive as “aging” is actually a complicated and multifaceted phenomenon related to skin breakdown and repair—a cyclical process that we scientists refer to as “tissue turnover.” In the case of skin, we call it “collagen turnover.” The most effective solution to a multifaceted problem is a multifaceted solution, and that’s exactly what topical Nrf2 activation is all about.

Today, the scientific community accepts the fact that chronic cellular stress leads to a rapid breakdown in a variety of tissues, including skin. Cellular stress in skin cells inevitably leads to skin problems, such as wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. Nrf2 regulates our body’s response to cellular stress and numerous studies have shown that both topical and internal/systemic activation of the Nrf2 pathway can have a wide range of beneficial effects on skin, including reduced rates of skin cancers, protection from ultraviolet radiation, reduced inflammation, enhanced barrier function, and improved wound healing.

Study 2

In a series of human clinical studies (86 women) conducted by Canadian researchers, topical application of the eNt blend (twice daily for 4-8 weeks) resulted in dramatic improvements in key beauty benefits, including an extremely high percentage of women who felt that their skin was improved in the following ways: looking smoother (94%), younger (87%), firmer (85%), more even tone (83%), and with fewer wrinkles (82%).

Study 3

American researchers performed a follow-up human clinical study (27 men) investigating the skin health benefits of the specific eNt blend used as part of a shaving regimen. After only 7 days, users of the eNt-based shaving regimen showed significant and dramatic improvements in skin barrier function and irritation/inflammation – indicating that topical activation of the Nrf2 pathway with eNt was effective in not only protecting the skin from the damaging effects of shaving (mechanical stress), but also improving the health of the skin.

Study 4

In a series of laboratory studies, isolated skin samples (explants) were investigated to understand the biochemical and genetic mechanisms underlying such rapid and dramatic clinical benefits, French researchers treated isolated skin samples daily with the specific eNt blend. Findings showed clear evidence of the eNt blend to:

The future of science and medicine is targeting the Nrf2 pathway to not only protect our health, but also to actively improve how we feel/look/perform. Nrf2 activation, especially when optimally synergistic in nature, allows you to enjoy enhanced anti-aging benefits for a new level of wellness and vitality.